Northern Ireland facing increasing diabetes problem

New figures for the rate of diabetes in Northern Ireland have shown that the province is facing increasing problems with the metabolic condition. With around 73,000 people suffering from diabetes in Northern Ireland, about another 300 people newly diagnosed each month and a further 10,000 unaware they have the condition, the charity Diabetes UK Northern Ireland has warned that this number will grow unless steps are taken to address the problem.
The majority of those diagnosed have type 2 diabetes, usually linked to lifestyle factors, and in some cases it can be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and maintaining normal weight levels.
Iain Foster, director of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, commented “We are in the middle of a diabetes epidemic. An extra 21,000 people are now living with diabetes since figures began to be collected, less than a decade ago.”
He added “With the numbers rapidly increasing it is now more important than ever that everything is done to prevent serious complications which cost the NHS millions and are absolutely devastating for the individuals and families involved.”
In addition, the Northern Ireland Childhood Diabetes Register has said there are 1,000 children and youths below the age of 17 that have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.